Hey y'all! There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked pizza wafting through your kitchen, and this Easy Homemade Pizza Dough recipe is the secret to pizza nights that everyone will remember. With just a handful of pantry staples, you’ll achieve a chewy, golden crust that’s perfect for any topping—whether it’s a casual family dinner, entertaining friends, or a fun weekend activity. It’s simple, quick, and absolutely delicious. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Easy Homemade Pizza Dough
- Ready in under an hour—perfect for weeknight dinners or spontaneous cravings.
- Requires only five basic ingredients, making it budget-friendly and accessible.
- Yields a soft, chewy crust with a crisp exterior every time.
- Customizable for thin or thick crust lovers alike.
- Freezer-friendly, so you can always have dough on hand for quick meals.
Easy Homemade Pizza Dough Ingredients
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups (360ml) warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 3 ½ to 4 cups (450-520g) bread flour (plus more for dusting)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for greasing)
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
Directions: Step-by-Step Easy Homemade Pizza Dough
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5-7 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly. This means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Stir in the olive oil, salt, and 3 ½ cups of bread flour. Use a wooden spoon or dough hook to blend until a shaggy dough forms. Add more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough pulls away from the sides but is still slightly tacky.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 7-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with a dough hook on medium speed for 5 minutes.
Step 4: First Rise
Place the dough in a large, greased bowl. Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for 30-40 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Step 5: Shape and Prebake
Punch down the risen dough and divide it in half for two medium pizzas or keep whole for a large one. Roll out to your desired thickness on a lightly floured surface. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza pan. Prebake at 475°F (245°C) for 4-5 minutes before adding toppings for a crispier base.
Step 6: Top and Bake
Add your favorite sauces, cheeses, and toppings. Bake at 475°F (245°C) for 12-15 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Notes for Easy Homemade Pizza Dough Success
- Using bread flour yields a chewier texture, but all-purpose flour works in a pinch—learn more about flour differences from King Arthur Baking.
- For best flavor, you can refrigerate the dough overnight for a slow ferment and deeper taste.
- If you’re new to working with yeast, check out this detailed pizza dough guide from Serious Eats.
Easy Homemade Pizza Dough Variations
- Whole Wheat Pizza Dough: Substitute half the bread flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
- Herb-Infused Dough: Add 1 tablespoon of dried Italian herbs or garlic powder for an aromatic twist.
- Gluten-Free Pizza Dough: Swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend—follow these tips from Bon Appétit for best results.
Equipment Needed for Easy Homemade Pizza Dough
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or stand mixer with dough hook
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet or pizza stone/pan
Storage Instructions for Easy Homemade Pizza Dough
- Refrigerator: Store unused dough in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap dough tightly in plastic and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before use.
- Once baked, leftover pizza keeps in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
- Pair fresh-baked pizza with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables.
- Serve alongside garlic knots or breadsticks for a pizzeria experience.
- Enjoy with sparkling water, a cold beer, or your favorite Italian red wine.
Pro Tips for the Best Easy Homemade Pizza Dough
- Let your dough come to room temperature before shaping for easier stretching and fewer tears—see more at The Kitchn's pizza dough tips.
- If you love extra-crispy crusts, bake on a preheated pizza stone or steel.
- Brush the crust edges with olive oil for a gorgeous golden finish and rich flavor.
Easy Homemade Pizza Dough FAQ
- Can I make Easy Homemade Pizza Dough ahead of time?
- Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough overnight or freeze for up to 3 months for easy prep.
- What if I don't have bread flour?
- All-purpose flour works just fine—your crust will be slightly less chewy but still delicious.
- How do I know when the dough is kneaded enough?
- The dough should be smooth, elastic, and spring back when pressed with your finger.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Rest time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ¾ cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Extra flour for dusting
- Cornmeal for dusting (optional)
Instructions
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1In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
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2Add olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
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3Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, adding the remaining flour as needed, until smooth and elastic.
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4Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 10-15 minutes.
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5Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface or cornmeal-dusted parchment to your desired thickness.
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6Add your favorite toppings and bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden and cooked through.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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